FAQS

FAQs

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and NSAA have authorized only 400 Gold Passes to be sold. The Gold Passes may be obtained through the office of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, the non-profit fundraising arm of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Gold Passes are bought on a first-come, first-serve basis. To purchase a Gold Pass, direct all inquiries to:

LOSS OF GOLD PASS

If your Gold Pass is lost at a ski area, also immediately contact the ski area's ticket office. The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation will issue a replacement Gold Pass with new numbers upon receipt of $100, which covers the replacement cost. If the new replacement pass is then lost, there will be a $500 charge for another pass. A lost Gold Pass is an inconvenience to the pass owner, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation and the members of the National Ski Areas Association. We recommend that special care be taken for safekeeping your Gold Pass, as a replacement pass could take several weeks to receive.

RFID - FAQs

Many ski areas will allow RFID scanning for the Gold Pass. At these resorts, you'll need to have your pass which contains a radio frequency identification tag to open the access gate. See Below for the answer to many questions on how this system will operate.

Q: What is RFID?A: Radio Frequency Identification. The 2015-16 Gold Pass has two small RFID tags integrated into the card. When you pass through the lift line with RFID capability, this tag will register and open the lift access gate automatically.

Q: Why are we using RFID technology in the 2015-16 Gold Pass? A: There are many benefits to RFID technology now and in the future. First and foremost, direct to lift access without having to wait in any ticket lines. Over 65% of participation resorts have RFID capability, therefore gives you easy access to the lifts.

Q: Where should I carry my 2015-16 Gold Pass? A: You must carry your Gold Pass around your neck or in a separate pocket away from your cell phone, Ipod, credit cards, or any foil wrapped items such as gum wrappers, cold medicine etc. The Gold Pass should be carried above your knees and below your shoulders.

Q: I've seen scanning at other resorts, is RFID better?A: RFID and bar code scanning achieve the same goals through different means. Bar codes require line of sight so that each ticket or pass can be read by a hand scanner. RFID tags are read remotely by RFID lift access gates. This means you can keep your card in your pocket or around your neck and do not have to show your pass/card/ticket each time you load the lift.

Q: What information is stored on the Gold Pass?A: Each 2015-16 Gold Pass has two RFID tags that physically contain unique ID numbers associated with each unique Gold Pass. No personal or additional information is stored on individual RFID tags.

Q: Can the Gold Pass be used to access my personal information?A: No. Each unique Gold Pass contains a multiple digit number associated with your pass number. This profile is encrypted and secure within each resort database.

Q: Can I punch a hole in my 2015-16 Gold Pass?A: Holes must never be punched in the Gold Pass. Your 2015-16 Gold Pass already has a hole in the card. The card has an antenna inside that surrounds the RFID tag. Any damage to the surrounding antenna will render the card inactive and the card must be replaced. A replacement fee will be required.

Q: Can a magnet destroy my 2015-16 Gold Pass? A: No.

Q: Can the Gold Pass 'survive' in pieces of clothing?A: Yes. The Gold Passes are designed to survive normal usage throughout the year. However, do not run a Gold Pass through the washing machine or dryer as this may damage and deactivate the card. A replacement fee will be required.

Q: Will the Gold Pass and its RFID technology interfere with my other wireless technology?A: No. The radio frequencies used by RFID are assigned by regulatory agencies around the world to help ensure that no interference occurs.

Q: Can the Gold Pass and its RFID technology be read from Satellites? A: No. The Gold Pass can be read at a distance not greater than a few yards.